The actress now | Source: Getty Images
Through a six-decade career, this star became one of the most celebrated celebrities in film and theater. But beyond her accolades, she endured a profound personal tragedy. When her daughter passed away unexpectedly, she took on the role of caregiver for her grandsons, helping her son-in-law and showing the strength that has defined her life both on and off the screen.
Michael Redgrave and Rachel Kempson with their baby daughter, the actress in question, circa 1939 | Source: Getty Images
Her Six-Decade Career
Born in Greenwich, London, to a family of esteemed actors, Michael Redgrave and Rachel Kempson, this star was destined for greatness. Laurence Olivier himself recognized her potential on the night of her birth, proclaiming, “Tonight a great actress was born.”
Over the decades, she has more than lived up to this expectation, although initially, she considered a career in ballet. Instead, this star pursued acting and made her West End debut in 1958.
The actress during the filming of "Behind the Mask" on November 12, 1957, at Shepperton Studios | Source: Getty Images
By the 1960s, she was an acclaimed figure on the London stage, with standout performances in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “All’s Well That Ends Well,” and “The Seagull.”
By the end of that decade, her film career took off with roles in “Morgan!” (1966), “Blow-Up” (1966), and “A Man for All Seasons” (1966). She continued to gain prominence with “Camelot” (1967) and “Isadora” (1968), earning even more critical acclaim.
The actress, portraying Isadora Duncan, during the filming of "Isadora" on January 4, 1968 | Source: Getty Images
Despite her success in entertainment, this actress became known for her outspoken political activism, which led to several professional setbacks. Nevertheless, she continued to secure roles in films like “Murder on the Orient Express” (1974) and “Playing for Time” (1980).
Sean Connery and the actress during the filming of "Murder on the Orient Express" on May 21, 1974, in Istanbul | Source: Getty Images
Throughout the years, she balanced theater, film, and television, with highlights including “Howards End” (1992), “Mission: Impossible” (1996), and “Atonement” (2007).
The actress arrives to the Focus Features "Atonement" Premiere at the Academy of Motion Pictures on December 6, 2007, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Her Personal Life
This star has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Tony Richardson, whom she wed on April 29, 1962. Their marriage ended in divorce on April 28, 1967. During their time together, they had two daughters, Natasha and Joely.
Her second marriage was to Italian actor, Franco Nero. They married on December 31, 2006, and are still together to this day. They have one child together, Carlo Gabriel Nero.
The actress with her daughters, Natasha Richardson and Joely Richardson, at the 10th Anniversary benefit for the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Association on November 14, 2000, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The Triple Crown of Acting
In 2003, this actress achieved the rare feat of winning an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Tony. She won an Academy Award in 1978 for “Julia” (1977), and gave an impassioned speech, mentioning several of the causes close to her heart.
The actress, holding her trophy for her role in "Julia," during the Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, on April 3, 1978 | Source: Getty Images
Later, she got an Emmy for “Playing for Time” in 1981, then a second Emmy for “If These Walls Could Talk 2” in 2000, and finally, her Tony in 2003 for “Long Day’s Journey Into Night.” She remains one of the few actors to achieve this feat.
The actress accepts the "Best Leading Actress In a Play" award for "Long Day's Journey Into Night" during the 57th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 8, 2003, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Her Daughter’s Tragic Passing
In 2009, tragedy struck when her eldest daughter, Natasha Richardson, who was also an actress, died from head injuries sustained in a skiing accident in Quebec. Initially, the 45-year-old showed no signs of injury, but her condition rapidly deteriorated.
Her husband, actor Liam Neeson, rushed to her side, as did his two sons and his legendary mother-in-law. Richardson was flown to a New York hospital, where she unfortunately passed away.
Natasha Richardson and Liam Neeson during the 54th Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 19, 1997, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
Neeson and the family were devastated. A neurosurgeon later explained that even a minor head injury can become fatal if internal bleeding goes undetected.
An Excellent Mother-In-Law
Following Richardson’s passing, this star stepped in to help raise her grandsons. In 2014, Neeson expressed his gratitude, revealing that she frequently cared for the boys while he was away for work.
“I have a great support team,” the “Schindler’s List” actor added. “If I’m away on a project, my mother-in-law moves in.” Though life as a single father was a balancing act for Neeson, his sons always had the unwavering support of their legendary grandmother.
The actress with her grandsons Michael Neeson and Daniel Neeson leaving the Almay Concert to celebrate the Rainforest Fund's 21st birthday at Carnegie Hall on May 13, 2010, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Her New Take on Life
Six years after losing her daughter, the actress suffered a heart attack in 2015. Alone in her London flat, she mustered enough strength to call her son, Carlo, who quickly arranged for an ambulance. Emergency surgery saved her life, though doctors found that one of her arteries was completely blocked.
Franco Nero, the actress, Joely Richardson, Kika Markham, and Carlo Gabriel Nero during the American Theatre Wing's annual gala at the Plaza Hotel on September 24, 2012, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
“I have a new understanding, a new take on life,” she later reflected. “Before this, I didn’t care at all. Now I find myself thinking what a miracle it all is.”
Her health struggles also led to the diagnosis of emphysema, a condition she attributes to years of smoking. Despite her diminished lung capacity, she continued to work and advocate for humanitarian causes.
The actress and Franco Nero during The London Evening Standard Theatre Awards after party at The Old Vic Theatre on November 22, 2015, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Where Is She Now?
This legendary actress is none other than Vanessa Redgrave, and she’s still working today. At 80, she made her directorial debut with “Sea Sorrow,” a documentary about the refugee crisis.
This deeply personal project released in 2017 blended history with modern narratives and urged European politicians to take action regarding refugees running from war zones. Her film included heart-wrenching accounts from young people and referenced Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” to highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Vanessa Redgrave during a Q&A for the screening of "Sea Sorrow" at The Film Society of Lincoln Center on October 7, 2017, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Her approach was direct and urgent, differing from more abstract documentaries. She made a compelling case for empathy, arguing that societies often forget their own refugee histories. Though “Sea Sorrow” was not a commercial film, it was a powerful statement of her continued activism.
An Impossible Pain to Overcome
In 2019, Redgrave spoke candidly about her grief, stating that time does not heal the loss of her daughter. “It never becomes OK,” she admitted to People.
Her younger daughter, Joely, who is also an actress, added, “You aren’t stronger or weaker, just different—changed.”
Despite the heartbreak, they have remained a close, supportive family. “In my case, I treasure my family much, much more,” Redgrave continued. “Because you realize that the difference between being alive and dead is the difference of a little fingernail.”
Vanessa Redgrave, Franco Nero, and Joely Richardson during the 65th Evening Standard Theatre Awards at London Coliseum on November 24, 2019, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Her Recent Christmas Message
At 87, Redgrave shared a rare public message during the 2023 holiday season. In a video posted by her younger daughter, she sent love to mothers and children suffering from war, expressing regret that she could do little more than offer her heartfelt support.
“I send my love—it can’t do anything for you. I wish it could. Bless you. Thank you for your love, and I send you every bit I’ve got, except for the bit I save for my family,” she said.
The video touched many of Richardson’s followers. One netizen wrote, “Beautiful message from a truly wonderful lady. Brought tears to my eyes.” Another added, “Wow. That winded me. What a beautiful statement. 😭”
On January 30, 2025, the actress turned 88, and many online users paid tribute on several social media. One wrote, “Happy 88th birthday, Vanessa Redgrave!” and included footage from her performance in the film “The Devils” from 1971.
Vanessa Redgrave during the filming of "The Devils" in 1971 | Source: Getty Images
Other netizens reacted to the clip, with one replying, “Legendary actress, truly timeless 💖 [sic].” Another added, “Wow! Vanessa Redgrave, your acting skills are amazing.”
From an extraordinary acting career to personal hardships, Vanessa Redgrave has remained unwavering in her commitments to family, humanitarian causes, and the arts. Through loss and health struggles, she continues to inspire, proving that resilience and love can carry one through even the darkest times.
